Evonik launches chili pepper-based solution for dairy cows

EUROPE – Evonik Animal Nutrition has introduced a new plant-based product for ruminants that aims to boost milk production and improve resilience in dairy cows during stressful phases such as early lactation and heat stress.

The innovation, called BoruCare® Capsin, will be unveiled at the SPACE 2025 international animal farming exhibition in Rennes, France, from September 16 to 18.

The Essen-based global chemical company, which operates in more than 100 countries, developed the natural solution in partnership with French specialist Heidi Botanicals. BoruCare® Capsin will be commercially available in Europe beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Harnessing the power of chili peppers

BoruCare® Capsin is made from red chili peppers and contains capsaicinoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. These bioactive compounds have been shown to support nutrient efficiency, strengthen nutritional status, and increase milk yield in cows under pressure from high metabolic demands or heat.

“BoruCare® Capsin expands and complements our solutions for ruminants,” said Dr. Marion Hax, head of the Specialty Nutrition product line at Evonik Animal Nutrition. “With capsaicinoids as the main active compound in addition to polyphenols and flavonoids, it has multiple positive effects on the nutritional status, nutrient efficiency, and milk yield of dairy cows, particularly in stressful phases.”

The product is manufactured using a proprietary process developed with Heidi Botanicals. This solvent-free method grinds whole chili peppers, standardizes the capsaicinoid content to at least 0.5%, and encapsulates the extract in a fatty matrix to eliminate pungency and ensure easy handling.

Environmentally friendly innovation

According to Evonik, using whole chili peppers allows BoruCare® Capsin to retain the full spectrum of secondary metabolites present in the plant. “Our unique process makes BoruCare® Capsin a particularly environmentally friendly product,” said Dr. Claudia Parys, responsible for Evonik’s ruminant portfolio.

The launch comes as dairy producers worldwide are under pressure to improve productivity while also adapting to climate challenges, including rising temperatures. 

Evonik positions BoruCare® Capsin as a sustainable tool that enhances cow performance naturally, without synthetic additives.

Spotlight at SPACE 2025

The product’s debut at SPACE 2025 underscores its role as a centrepiece in Evonik’s livestock portfolio. SPACE, now in its 39th edition, will bring together over 1,200 exhibitors and approximately 100,000 visitors from 120 countries. 

This year, the international event will also highlight the role of artificial intelligence in livestock farming, showcasing solutions that improve precision, working comfort, and animal health management.

Visitors can find Evonik at Hall 9, Booth B42 during the exhibition, where the company will present BoruCare Capsin alongside its wider animal nutrition portfolio.

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